Women'sNet Newsletter 19/05/2009

Legalising In South Africa Prostitution Ahead of 2010

Sex work has become a contentious issue ahead of the 2010 World Cup. Much has been made about the strength of South Africa's infrastructure to host a successful World Cup. To that end, South Africa is considering beefing up their capabilities in providing the best World Cup possible by decriminalising prostitution.

George Lekgetho, a Member of Parliament (MP) said in a meeting with the Portfolio Committee on Arts and Culture in Parliament that "It is one of the things that would make it [the tournament] a success because we hear of many rapes, because people don't have access to them [women]".

Mr Lekgetho called for prostitution to be decriminalised for the duration of the World Cup. He argued that legalising prostitution will not only help cut the incidences of rape but would also bring in taxes to fight poverty. His suggestion was met with a groan of protest and chuckles from other Mps - "If sex working is legalised, people would not do things in the dark. That would bring us tax and would improve the lives of those who are not working,' he added. DA MP Sydney Opperman disagreed, saying one could not commercialise relationships.

Last week, Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane became controversial by stating that she will keep an open mind about one of the oldest professions in the world although she did not commit herself to anything yet. The Gauteng premier said she believed it was important to recognise and manage the industry in order to give sex workers protection.

But speaking at a Sexual Offences Indaba in the East Rand, acting National Prosecution Authority head Mokotedi Mpshe questioned the nation's morality in decriminalising sex work. He warned that parliamentarians would have to be very careful when deciding on the thorny issue on whether or not to decriminalise prostitution.

The idea of decriminalising sex work was first proposed last year by the suspended police commissioner Jackie Selebi. In an open letter to Gauteng premier Nomvula Mokonyana, Sex Worker and Advocacy Taskforce (SWEAT) applauded the premier for raising the debate, and at the same time, they proposed other solutions that could be useful.

Sexual Offences Indaba

The Sexual Offences and Community Affairs Unit of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is hosting the Sexual Offences Indaba from 18 May until 20 May 2009, at Emperors Palace. The NPA formed the unit last year to effectively deal with rape cases. In order to achieve their goals, they formed partnerships with several government departments, which developed the Thuthuzela Care Centre Model to address rape case management. NPA spokesman Tlali Tlali said the model was adopted after empirical research which had placed the rape victim at the forefront of service delivery.

This year's Indaba brings national and provincial role players together with implementing partners responsible for the rollout of Thuthuzela Care Centres to review progress made since 2008 and to consolidate plans for 2009. Furthermore, the Indaba will consider the alternative models as well as how best to implement plans in order to provide appropriate and standardised rape management services.

To have your say on the issue, blog about it on the Women'sNet website www.womensnet.org.za

Protecting Children in Cyberspace

This year, to mark World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, ITU Council adopted the theme: "Protecting children in cyberspace". In line with this, Women'sNet launched a campaign, on the 15 May 2009 aimed at empowering young people to use ICT's assertively. The campaign was launched to undertake public education on safe use of mobile social networks, engage with educators and learners on safe and responsible use, and will work with service providers, partners and stakeholders on making cyberspace a safe space. Women'sNet Executive Director, Sally-Jean Shackleton asked the campaign participants "Why should cyber space be any different to our streets and homes - where violence against women and girls is commonplace?". This is a key question and it requires us to challenge sexism, address harassment and help young people to engage about the issues relevant to them.

If you would like more information send a message to girlsnet [at] womensnet [dot] org [dot] za or call us on +2711 429-0000

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